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Ecological Assessment and SWOT–AHP Integration for Sustainable Management of a Mediterranean Freshwater Lake

Author

Listed:
  • Olga Petriki

    (Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Box 134, GR54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

  • Dimitra C. Bobori

    (Laboratory of Ichthyology, Department of Zoology, School of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Box 134, GR54124 Thessaloniki, Greece)

Abstract

The Mediterranean region is highly vulnerable to environmental and anthropogenic pressures, including climate change, which significantly affect its aquatic ecosystems, especially shallow lakes. This study examines the fish community and ecological quality of Lake Paralimni, a shallow mesotrophic lake in Central Greece that experienced complete desiccation between 1991 and 1996. Using field surveys, fish species composition, abundance, and biomass were assessed, and the lake’s ecological quality was evaluated through the Greek Lake Fish Index (GLFI) alongside an integrated SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) and AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) analysis. Six fish species from three families were recorded, predominantly native and endemic, with introduced species representing a minor fraction. While GLFI rated the lake’s quality as “Good,” other multi-metric indicators downgraded it to “Moderate”, highlighting the importance of comprehensive assessments. SWOT analysis revealed strengths such as high native biodiversity and legal protection under Natura 2000, but also weaknesses like fluctuating water levels and limited monitoring. Opportunities include sustainable fisheries and conservation efforts, while threats involve climate change, eutrophication, and illegal species introductions. AHP emphasized threats and weaknesses as top priorities. The study recommends hydrological regulation, invasive species control, and long-term monitoring for sustainable lake management and biodiversity conservation.

Suggested Citation

  • Olga Petriki & Dimitra C. Bobori, 2025. "Ecological Assessment and SWOT–AHP Integration for Sustainable Management of a Mediterranean Freshwater Lake," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:4950-:d:1666321
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kurttila, Mikko & Pesonen, Mauno & Kangas, Jyrki & Kajanus, Miika, 2000. "Utilizing the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) in SWOT analysis -- a hybrid method and its application to a forest-certification case," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 1(1), pages 41-52, May.
    2. Holmlund, Cecilia M. & Hammer, Monica, 1999. "Ecosystem services generated by fish populations," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 253-268, May.
    3. Ho, William, 2008. "Integrated analytic hierarchy process and its applications - A literature review," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 186(1), pages 211-228, April.
    4. Ernest H. Forman & Saul I. Gass, 2001. "The Analytic Hierarchy Process---An Exposition," Operations Research, INFORMS, vol. 49(4), pages 469-486, August.
    5. Grizzetti, B. & Lanzanova, D. & Liquete, C. & Reynaud, A. & Cardoso, A.C., 2016. "Assessing water ecosystem services for water resource management," Environmental Science & Policy, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 194-203.
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    1. Charikleia Karakosta & Isaak Vryzidis, 2025. "Cost-Effective Energy Retrofit Pathways for Buildings: A Case Study in Greece," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-21, July.

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